In a large bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be the marinade, infusing the chicken with flavor. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined; you want every piece of chicken to soak up those delicious flavors.
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Once done, add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least two hours or up to twenty-four hours in the refrigerator. The longer, the better to let those flavors penetrate.
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil to the pan to prevent sticking. I recommend using olive oil for added flavor. Once the oil is hot, take the marinated chicken out of the bowl, letting any excess marinade drip off.
Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook them for about six to seven minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. As they cook, you’ll notice the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cheesy topping. In a medium bowl, combine Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix until well combined for a rich, cheesy mixture that will melt beautifully on top of the chicken.
In a separate small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. This will ensure that the breadcrumbs become golden and crisp when baked. Stir until all the breadcrumbs are coated.
Once the chicken is cooked through, top each breast evenly with the cheese mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to cover them well, as this is what gives you that fantastic crispy topping.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and set it to broil. Broil for three to four minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Allow the Crispy Mozzarella Parmesan Crusted Chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making each bite even more satisfying.
Serve the chicken hot, perhaps with a side salad or your favorite mashed potatoes. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in every single bite!
